Episode 16: Raising a Glass to the 17th Century

1666 and All That

Author Henry Jeffreys has charted British history through its relationships - commercial, industrial and social - with alcohol. And as we discover when Henry talks to Paul and Miranda in this episode, the 17th century played a key role in shaping those relationships. Indeed, Henry argues that Britain had a greater influence on the booze business than any other nation.

From the invention of strong glass for bottles to experiments with adding fizz to wine, British scientists and entrepreneurs made a telling contribution. Imperial adventures opened up a global trade in wine and spirits. And the public - from aristocrats to the peasantry - played their part by displaying a healthy appetite for the strong stuff. Oliver Cromwell himself was fond of a tipple - demonstrating that when it came to booze, even priggish Puritans were happy to make an exception.

Henry Jeffreys' book 'Empire of Booze: British History Through the Bottom of a Glass' is published by Unbound.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

You can visit our website at www.podpage.com/1666-and-all-that/